ALBERT PUJOLS had three hits as the Angels defeated the Houston Astros 9-6 on Monday in Anaheim.

Albert Pujols had a trio of hits and the Los Angeles Angels hit a new landmark for 2019 on Monday in Anaheim as the team beat the Houston Astros 9-6.

The victory was not only the team’s fourth in a row, but it pushed the Halos to three games over .500 for the first time this season. They are 49-46, still fourth in the American League West but moved to within 2.5 games of third place.

Pujols drove in three runs in the victory, and was joined in the hit parade by Andrelton Simmons with a two-run home run and Justin Upton with a pair of hits.

The Angels fell behind early as starter Griffin Canning was knocked around in the first two innings, giving up three runs, two hits and six walks. But that 3-0 Astro lead didn’t last long, as the Orange County team rallied with seven runs and held off late rallies by the AL West leader.

The win, in relief, went to Justin Anderson (3-0). The Angels will take on the Astros (59-36) again on Tuesday with Andrew Heaney (1-3) making the start for the Angels.